The IAFC And The
USFA Develop A Report On The Effects Of Sleep Deprivation On
Firefighters And EMS Responders
Release Date: September 25, 2007
THE IAFC AND THE USFA DEVELOP A REPORT ON THE EFFECTS OF
SLEEP DEPRIVATION ON FIREFIGHTERS AND EMS RESPONDERS
EMMITSBURG, MD. - The U.S. Fire Administration (USFA) and the
International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC) announce the
release of The Effects of Sleep Deprivation on Fire Fighters and
EMS Responders.
This new report is based on a comprehensive literature review
of fatigue and sleep deprivation in other industries (primarily
the transportation and medical fields) and features applications
to the fire and emergency services as appropriate, along with
useful mitigation strategies. A resource section is included.
"We were pleased to work closely with the IAFC on this
initiative," said Chief Gregory B. Cade, U.S. Fire
Administrator. "We have long known the stresses that long-term
operations place on all firefighters. The impact of sleep
deprivation is an important issue to the health and safety of
firefighters and EMS responders, and the residents they
protect."
This program is a result of a partnership between the IAFC
and USFA, with assistance from the faculty of Oregon Health &
Science University.
In addition to the report, a self-guided, computer-based
training program has been developed.
"This is an in-depth culmination of available
sleep-deprivation research that, if taken seriously, should keep
the fire chief awake at night,"
said IAFC President Chief Steven P. Westermann. "The research
can apply to any busy station, volunteer or career, with any of
the traditional schedules, not just the newer 48/96 schedule.
The report ends by providing several recommendations, not the
least of which is how to spot sleep deprivation."
The Effects of Sleep Deprivation on
Fire Fighters and EMS Responders and related training materials
are available on the IAFC Web site at